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Abstract:

A system and methods for providing substantially uninterrupted electric
power to one or more critical loads that significantly allows superior
utilization of equipment and physical space, as well as reduction in the
environmental footprint of systems for providing substantially
uninterrupted electric power to one or more critical loads. The system
and methods comprise an arrangement of power modules configured for
providing substantially uninterrupted electric power to one or more
critical loads using a combination of loads. The combination of loads
generally follows a detailed method that comprises grouping of loads and
mathematically determining the power relationships between the power
modules and one or more loads. Generally, the method comprises
determining the characteristics of the power lines that deliver
substantially uninterrupted electric power from the power modules to one
or more critical loads. Further, the system may comprise a plurality of
power delivery architectures.

Claims:

1. A power distribution system, comprising: a plurality of power modules
configured for supplying power in a facility, wherein each power module
comprises a predetermined number of power lines for supplying power to
power zones in the facility; and a plurality of power zones in the
facility operatively connected to the plurality of power modules in a
predetermined configuration to receive power from the plurality of power
modules, wherein each power zone is operatively connected to one or more
power modules via one or more power lines, whereby the predetermined
configuration of power zones and power modules is determined as a
function of the number of power zones in the facility, the number of
power lines required by each power zone, and the number of power modules
available to the facility, and wherein the power lines for at least one
power module are shared between at least two different power zones.

2. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the number of power
zones in the facility is determined according to the following equation:
PZ = n ! k ( n - k ) ! ##EQU00003## wherein PZ represents
the number of power zones, n represents the number of power modules
available to the facility, and k represents the number of power lines
required by each power zone.

3. The power distribution system of claim 2, wherein the total number of
power lines required for the facility is determined by multiplying the
number of power zones in the facility by the number of power lines
required by each power zone.

4. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined
number of power lines included in each power module is determined
according to the following equation: PLM = k n n ! k ( n -
k ) ! ##EQU00004## wherein PLM represents the predetermined number
of power lines included in each power module, n represents the number of
power modules available to the facility, and k represents the number of
power lines required by each power zone.

5. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein each power module
comprises at least one utility power feed and at least one independent
power generator.

6. The power distribution system of claim 5, wherein each power module
further comprises one or more of the following: at least one automatic
transfer switch (ATS) or switchgear, at least one distribution system, at
least one power distribution unit.

7. The power distribution system of claim 5, wherein each power module
further comprises at least one uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system.

8. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein each power module
comprises three power lines that operatively connect and supply power to
three different power zones.

9. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein each power zone
comprises one or more electrical loads.

10. The power distribution system of claim 1, wherein a first power zone
is powered by at least one primary power line and at least one redundant
power line, wherein the at least one primary power line is associated
with a first power module and the at least one redundant power line is
associated with a second power module.

11. The power distribution system of claim 10, wherein the first power
module also includes a redundant power line that supplies power to a
second power zone.

12. A method for configuring a power distribution system, comprising the
steps of: determining the number of power modules available for supplying
power to a facility, wherein each power module comprises one or more
power lines for supplying power to loads in the facility; determining the
number of power zones in the facility requiring power from the power
modules, wherein each power zone includes one or more loads; determining
the number of power lines required by each power zone; based on the
number of power zones in the facility and the number of power lines
required by each power zone, determining the number of power lines
required for each power module; and configuring the power distribution
system based on the determined number of power modules available for
supplying power to the facility, the determined number of power zones in
the facility, and the determined number of power lines required for each
power module, such that each power zone is operatively connected to the
determined number of power lines required to supply power to the power
zone, and that each of the power lines operatively connected to a
respective power zone is respectively associated with a discrete power
module.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the number of power modules available
for supplying power to the facility is predetermined.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the number of power zones in the
facility is determined according to the following equation: PZ = n !
k ( n - k ) ! ##EQU00005## wherein PZ represents the number of
power zones, n represents the number of power modules available to the
facility, and k represents the number of power lines required by each
power zone.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the number of power lines required
for each power module is determined according to the following equation:
PLM = k n n ! k ( n - k ) ! ##EQU00006## wherein PLM
represents the predetermined number of power lines required for each
power module, n represents the number of power modules available to the
facility, and k represents the number of power lines required by each
power zone.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the number of power lines required by
each power zone is determined as a function of the power requirements of
each power zone.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein each power module comprises at least
one utility power feed and at least one independent power generator.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein each power module further comprises
one or more of the following: at least one automatic transfer switch
(ATS) or switchgear, at least one distribution system, at least one power
distribution unit.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein each power module further comprises
at least one uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein each power module comprises three
power lines that operatively connect and supply power to three different
power zones.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein a first power zone is powered by at
least one primary power line and at least one redundant power line,
wherein the at least one primary power line is associated with a first
power module and the at least one redundant power line is associated with
a second power module.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first power module also includes
a redundant power line that supplies power to a second power zone.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/748,864, filed Jan. 4, 2013,
and entitled "Multiple Input Uninterruptable Power Supply (MI-UPS)
Systems" and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/821,971, filed
May 10, 2013, and entitled "Neural Power Distribution Systems", both of
which are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth herein in
their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to power systems, as well
as their configuration and deployment in a physical location. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to power systems for
providing an uninterruptible supply of electrical power to one or more
critical loads.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A mission critical system is a system that is essential to the
survival of a business or organization. Many organizations or
enterprises, such as those in the fields of financial transaction
processing, emergency response, medical control, database management and
process control, transportation, and many others, utilize many mission
critical systems, and the organizations themselves are often considered
mission critical. When a mission critical system fails or is interrupted,
the operations of a business or organization may be significantly
impacted. Ideally, these systems must be designed to ensure that
electrical power is always available. Therefore, mission critical systems
must be protected from scenarios resulting in the potential loss of
power, and are generally powered by critical power systems that may
comprise several layers of redundancy to ensure that the availability of
the mission critical system is a high as possible.

[0004] Mission critical systems may achieve high availability by utilizing
critical power systems that employ more than one independent power
distribution branch. Each power distribution branch in the critical power
system may include an independent power generation system, a utility
power line, an automatic transfer switch (ATS), distribution components,
breakers, power distribution units (PDUs) with step-down transformers,
and any other power or distribution equipment as required by a particular
power delivery architecture. Additionally, these power distribution
systems are generally designed with an array of uninterrupted power
supply (UPS) units on each power distribution branch, often configured
with some degree of redundancy as well.

[0005] In an effort to provide a common reference, several organizations
have developed standardized frameworks to define reliability levels
across several industries. For example, the Uptime Institute defines four
reliability levels for data centers in a quantifiable manner (see
www.uptimeinstitute.com/TierCertification). The reliability levels are
referred to as Tier levels, where Tier I facilities have the lowest
expected availability, and generally comprise a single and non-redundant
distribution system to serve the equipment in a facility. Tier IV
facilities are considered the most robust and less prone to failures, and
are generally designed to host mission critical systems requiring high
availability rates.

[0006] Traditionally, mission critical systems in Tier IV facilities are
generally powered by a critical power system with a primary and a
redundant power distribution branch, and each power distribution branch
is generally fed by a separate power source, such as a separate utility
power line with mutually exclusive substations and transformers. During
normal operation, each power distribution branch (primary and redundant)
generally delivers about half of the power required by the mission
critical system. In the event that a power distribution branch becomes
unavailable, the other power distribution branch supplies the totality of
the power required by the mission critical system. Therefore, during
normal operation, a power distribution branch is generally utilized to a
maximum of 50 percent of its total capacity, with about a 5 to 10 percent
discretionary utilization percentage between the maximum capacity and the
actual utilization of the power distribution branch. In other words,
during normal operation, each power distribution branch is generally
utilized to a maximum of about 40 to 45 percent of its total capacity.
Therefore, in the event of a power distribution branch failure, the other
power distribution branch is generally utilized to a maximum of about 80
to 90 percent of its total capacity.

[0007] In the case of an external power outage, such as a failure in a
power substation that feeds a power distribution branch through a utility
power line, an independent power generation system is promptly activated
to maintain the power distribution branch as fully operational. In this
type of scenario, an ATS disconnects the power distribution branch from
the utility power line and connects the power distribution branch to the
independent power generation system. Generally, each power distribution
line has an independent power generation system, such as a diesel
generator, attached thereto.

[0008] Such conventional methods and systems, however, have significant
drawbacks. During normal operation, for example, a power distribution
branch and corresponding components are generally utilized to less than
half of their total capacity. Therefore, considering the high expected
availability rate of critical power systems, the equipment components in
each power distribution branch remain largely underutilized. In terms of
equipment requirements, excess equipment capacity represents increased
costs in producing a service or product relative to the revenues
generated. Furthermore, underutilized equipment also represents
underutilized physical space in a facility, which also increases costs
and reduces efficiency. Additionally, due to laws and policies
established by environmental protection agencies, facilities are
generally constrained in growth by the limitations established relative
to the size of power generators.

[0009] Therefore, there is a long-felt but unresolved need for a system or
method that enables power systems, such as critical power systems, to
relieve equipment underutilization and space misuse in the physical
locations where the power systems are hosted. Further, there is a need
for a system or method that allows facilities to provide environmental
gains by reducing the footprint of power generators comprised by power
systems thereby decreasing carbon emissions and increasing the efficiency
of the power systems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] Briefly described, and according to one embodiment, aspects of the
present disclosure generally relate to combinatorial power systems that
provide uninterruptable power to critical facility components in a
highly-efficient and cost-effective manner.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a power system as described herein for
providing substantially uninterrupted electric power to one or more
critical loads allows superior utilization of equipment and physical
space as compared to traditional power systems, as well as a reduction of
the environmental footprint as compared to traditional power systems.
Instead of traditional power delivery architectures for providing
substantially uninterrupted electric power to one or more critical loads,
for example, the power system comprises an arrangement of power modules
configured for providing substantially uninterrupted electric power to
one or more critical loads using a combination of loads, which in turn
maximizes the utilization of the components of the power system. The
combination of loads generally follows a detailed method that comprises
grouping one or more loads into groups, and mathematically determining
the power relationships between power supply modules and one or more
loads. Generally, the method comprises determining the characteristics of
the power lines that deliver substantially uninterrupted electric power
from the power modules to one or more critical loads. Additionally, the
described power system generally provides substantially uninterrupted
electric power to one or more critical loads while significantly reducing
the carbon emissions of a facility, as compared to a facility powered by
a traditional power system.

[0012] Further, according to one embodiment, the power system may be
deployed sequentially and modularly in a facility, for example, which in
turn allows flexibility in electric planning as well as opportunity for
electric code and safety compliance. Further still, according to one
embodiment, the power system allows for substantial flexibility of
component types, configurations, and number of components, for example,
which can be applied to a variety of embodiments comprising virtually any
number of power modules wherein the power system may also comprise a
plurality of power delivery architectures known to one of ordinary skill
in the art.

[0013] In certain embodiments described herein, loads are either
physically or virtually divided into power zones having certain power
requirements and needs. Correspondingly, preconfigured power modules,
which generally include some combination of utility power and backup
power (as described in greater detail below), are configured and
operatively connected to the power zones in a manner that enables
significantly higher utilization of the power equipment as compared to
traditional systems. As described above, because conventional power
components are individually underutilized (especially in power systems
requiring redundant power supplies to support mission critical loads), by
combining the power modules and zones in unique ways more of the power
can be used without wasted space or power capability.

[0014] These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimed
invention(s) will become apparent from the following detailed written
description of the preferred embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction
with the following drawings, although variations and modifications
thereto may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of
the novel concepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and/or
aspects of the disclosure and, together with the written description,
serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the
same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a comparison between a traditional
power system for providing substantially uninterrupted electric power to
one or more critical loads and an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2A is an illustration of an exemplary system architecture of
one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2B is an illustration of the relationships among various
components in one exemplary system architecture of one embodiment of the
present disclosure illustrating.

[0019] FIG. 2C is an illustration of the relationships among various
components in one exemplary system architecture of one embodiment of the
present disclosure illustrating.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the physical deployment of components
of one exemplary system architecture of one embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary power module of one
embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present
disclosure comprising multiple power delivery architectures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of
the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended; any
alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated
embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the
disclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally
occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

Overview

[0024] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to combinatorial
power systems that provide uninterruptable power to critical facility
components in a highly-efficient and cost-effective manner.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a power system as described herein for
providing substantially uninterrupted electric power to one or more
critical loads allows superior utilization of equipment and physical
space as compared to traditional power systems, as well as a reduction of
the environmental footprint as compared to traditional power systems.
Instead of traditional power delivery architectures for providing
substantially uninterrupted electric power to one or more critical loads,
for example, the power system comprises an arrangement of power modules
configured for providing substantially uninterrupted electric power to
one or more critical loads using a combination of loads, which in turn
maximizes the utilization of the components of the power system. The
combination of loads generally follows a detailed method that comprises
grouping one or more loads into groups, and mathematically determining
the power relationships between power supply modules and one or more
loads. Generally, the method comprises determining the characteristics of
the power lines that deliver substantially uninterrupted electric power
from the power modules to one or more critical loads. Additionally, the
described power system generally provides substantially uninterrupted
electric power to one or more critical loads while significantly reducing
the carbon emissions of a facility, as compared to a facility powered by
a traditional power system.

[0026] Further, according to one embodiment, the power system may be
deployed sequentially and modularly in a facility, for example, which in
turn allows flexibility in electric planning as well as opportunity for
electric code and safety compliance. Further still, according to one
embodiment, the power system allows for substantial flexibility of
component types, configurations, and number of components, for example,
which can be applied to a variety of embodiments comprising virtually any
number of power modules wherein the power system may also comprise a
plurality of power delivery architectures known to one of ordinary skill
in the art.

[0027] In certain embodiments described herein, loads are either
physically or virtually divided into power zones having certain power
requirements and needs. Correspondingly, preconfigured power modules,
which generally include some combination of utility power and backup
power (as described in greater detail below), are configured and
operatively connected to the power zones in a manner that enables
significantly higher utilization of the power equipment as compared to
traditional systems. As described above, because conventional power
components are individually underutilized (especially in power systems
requiring redundant power supplies to support mission critical loads), by
combining the power modules and zones in unique ways more of the power
can be used without wasted space or power capability.

[0028] The discussion above in connection with an overview of the present
disclosure is merely intended to provide a high-level description of
embodiments of the present apparatuses and methods for combinatorial
power systems. Accordingly, it will be understood and appreciated that
the descriptions in this disclosure are not intended to limit in any way
the ultimate scope of the present disclosure. Various embodiments of the
present disclosure will be described with more particularity and for
illustrative purposes next in greater detail.

Exemplary Embodiments

[0029] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals illustrate
like elements throughout several drawing figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a
comparison between traditional critical power systems 103, such as a
critical power system in a Tier IV facility, and one embodiment 100 of
the present disclosure. As mentioned previously, critical power systems
are often used for mission critical systems that require an
uninterruptable power supply. In data centers, for example, power
delivery architectures with two or more independent branches of power
distribution are generally used to add redundancy to the power delivery
architecture. In FIG. 1, a traditional critical power system 103 utilizes
two power distribution branches or power modules 136 to feed a system or
facility 127, and each power module is comprised of two power sources,
such as a power substation 121 and a generator 124. The details of power
modules (or branches) 136 will be provided in greater detail below in
connection with a discussion of FIG. 4.

[0030] Traditionally, each power module 136 may include an independent
generation system (usually a diesel generator), a utility power line
powered by mutually exclusive sub-stations and street transformers,
distribution lines, breakers, and any other conditioning or distribution
equipment as required by the power delivery architecture. The two power
modules 136 feed the facility 127 simultaneously during normal operation,
and each power module 136 supplies about half of the power required by
the facility 103. In the event of a power failure or required
maintenance, however, one of the power modules 136 may become
unavailable. In such case, the power module 136 that remains active must
supply the power for the entire facility 127. Therefore, as will occur to
one of ordinary skill in the art, each power delivery branch or power
module 136 is utilized to a maximum of about 40 to 45 percent of its
total capacity during normal operation. In the event that one power
module 136 becomes unavailable, however, the power module 136 that
remains active is utilized to a maximum of about 80 to 90 percent of its
total capacity. Additionally, the power modules 136 feed a set of loads
(e.g. equipment comprised by a mission critical system) in the facility
103, where all the loads in the facility 127 comprise a single group or
power zone 130.

[0031] In contrast to a traditional system 103, embodiments of the present
disclosure comprise combinatorial power systems 100 that include a
plurality of power modules 136 and power zones 118 that are divided and
combined to maximize the efficiency of the power system 100. In
particular, and as shown in FIG. 1, a set of power modules 136 make up a
power unit 112. In one aspect, a power module 136 is comprised of at
least one power substation 106 and at least one generator 109, and the
power modules 136 supply power to a facility 115, which comprises a set
of loads divided into groups or power zones 118. Further details and
examples of power modules, power zones, and the like will be shown and
described later herein in connection with FIGS. 2-5.

[0032] As will be understood and appreciated, the components of the power
unit 112 can be comprised of virtually any type of power source, and a
plurality of power sources are possible according to various embodiments
of the present disclosure. In one aspect, a load is any circuit connected
to the power delivery architecture. For example, in a data center, the
set of loads may include the computer and communication equipment, air
conditioning, lighting, office space, etc. Generally, each power module
136 may comprise an independent generation system (usually a diesel
generator), a utility power line powered by mutually exclusive
sub-stations and street transformers, distribution lines, breakers, and
any other conditioning or distribution equipment as required by the power
delivery architecture. In one aspect, each power module 136 comprises
power distribution units (PDUs) with step-down transformers and an array
of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems configured in a redundant
architecture. In certain embodiments, the UPS systems are arranged at the
load level in a facility in a modular configuration with relatively small
UPS systems, where the power is distributed across the various UPS
systems. In another aspect, however, the UPS systems are configured in a
centralized configuration with relatively large UPS systems, where a
large portion of the power is assigned to a small number of UPS systems.
In some embodiments, a large portion of the power is assigned to a single
UPS system, where the rest of the power is assigned to the rest of the
UPS systems in various amounts.

[0033] In one aspect, each power module 136 comprises at least one power
line 139, and can comprise up to an unlimited number of power lines 139
as required by the configuration of the power system. For example, a
power module 136a may comprise one power line 139a up to N1 power lines
139d, where N1 can be virtually any number. Likewise, a power module 136b
may comprise one power line 139e up to N2 power lines 139h, where N2 can
be virtually any number, and the same is true for any power module 136.
As referred to herein, a "power line" 139 generally refers to the
interconnect between a given power module and a corresponding power zone.
Thus, the power line is used to deliver the necessary power from the
power module to the power zone.

[0034] In one aspect, the power unit 112 comprises at least one power
module 136, and can comprise up to an unlimited number of power modules
136 as required by the configuration of the power system 100. For
example, the power unit 112 may comprise one power module 136a up to N
power modules 136, where N can be virtually any number. In FIG. 1, an
unlimited number of power modules 136d can also comprise one power line
139n up to NM power lines 139q, where NM can be virtually any number. In
one aspect, however, a boundary will exist in the physical size of the
facility 115 independent from the aspects discussed in the present
disclosure, and therefore, the number of power lines 139 will also be
limited. For example, the budget to build the facility, the availability
of equipment and land, among others, are limiting factors to the size of
the facility. Therefore, in one aspect, each power distribution branch or
power module 136 has a limited number of power lines 139, and the power
unit 112 has a limited number of power branches 136. As it will be
understood and appreciated, the parameters relating to the
interconnections among the facility 115, the power lines 139, and the
power branches 136 are critical to maximizing the utilization rate of the
equipment and providing reliability as required by mission critical
systems.

[0035] As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, in order to feed the
power zones 118 from the power unit 112, the power capacity of each power
module 136 is divided into countable discrete quantities fed through
power lines 139, and the power lines 139 feed the power zones 118 in the
facility 115. In one aspect, the power zones 118 are assumed to possess
equal power requirements, and the power capacity of each power line 139
is configured so that each power module supplies the same number of power
zones 118. In another aspect, the power zones 118 possess varying power
requirements. Therefore, the power capacity of each power line 139 is
configured to compensate for the varying power requirements each power
zone 118, and each power module may supply a different number of power
zones 118.

[0036] In one aspect, a facility 115 comprises at least one power zone
118, and can comprise up to an unlimited number of power zones 118 as
required by the configuration of the power system 100. In one aspect, a
facility 115 may comprise one power zone referred to as power zone 1 118a
and up to K power zones 118e, where K can be virtually any number of
power zones 118 with the same power requirements. In another aspect, a
facility 115 may comprise one power zone referred to as power zone 1 118a
and up to K and J power zones 118e, where K and J can be virtually any
number of power zones 118. In one aspect illustrated in FIG. 1, power
zones 118 from 1 to K have different power requirements than power zones
118 from 5 to J. In another embodiment, however, power zones 118 from 1
to K have the same power requirements as power zones 118 from 5 to J. In
one aspect, the power requirements of the power zones 118 change based on
the size and type of the equipment requiring power, as well as the
required reliability, and all the power zones 118 can different power
requirements.

[0037] In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, a hypothetical system or
facility 200 is comprised of a plurality of power zones 118 powered by a
plurality of power modules 136. In one embodiment, the facility 200 is
powered by power modules 136 of the same power capacity, and the
individual power modules 136 are electrically isolated and physically
compartmentalized. Further, necessary distribution procedures, such as
distribution panels and breakers are implemented in the facility 200 to
ensure safety and other code compliance measures as will occur to one of
ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, four power modules 136 supply
power to a facility 200. In one aspect, each power zone 118 possesses the
same power requirements and each power zone 118 is fed by two power lines
139 that form a power line pair 215. For balancing the total power of the
facility 200 evenly among the power lines 139 and power modules 136, the
number of power lines pairs 215 that can be chosen from a set of power
modules 136 is determined, where each power line 139 in each power line
pair 215 is fed by a different power module 136 to avoid a single point
of failure and add redundancy to the power system. This aspect can be
generalized for any number of power modules 136 and power lines 139 by
determining the number of power line 139 groups that can be formed from a
set of power modules 136 of any size, where each power line 139 in each
power line 139 group is fed by a different power module 136. In one
aspect, the number of power line 139 groups that can be formed with equal
power capacity from a set of power modules 136 of any size, where each
power line in each power line group is fed by a different power module
136 is defined by the binomial coefficient shown in Equation 1 (described
in greater detail below).

[0039] Equation 1 is used to determine the number of power zones 118 in
the power system of a facility 200, where n is the number of power
modules 136 and k is the number of power lines required by each power
zone 118. In other words, Equation 1 determines the number of possible
combinations in pairing independent power modules 136 with the power
zones 118 by taking into account the number of power lines 139 required
by each power zone 118. As mentioned previously, a power zone generally
corresponds to a given load or combination of loads that require a
predetermined amount of power within a facility.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, a facility 200
with six power zones 118 is powered by four power modules 136, as
determined by Equation 1.

[0041] Because each power zone 118 requires two power lines 139 in this
particular embodiment, there are a total of twelve power lines 139
connecting the power zones 118 and the power modules 136. This aspect can
be generalized for any n number of power modules 136 as described in
Equation 2, where the total number of power lines 139 in a facility 200
is the product of the number of power zones 118 and k, the number of
power lines required by each power zone 118. Additionally, in one
embodiment, the number of power lines 139 per power module 136 is
determined by the ratio of the total number of power lines 139 to the
number of power modules 136 in a facility 200 as described by Equation 3.

[0042] In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, the power lines running
from the power modules 136 to the power zones 118 form power pairs 215.
In one aspect, the number of power pairs 215 is equal to the number of
power zones 118, as described by Equation 1, and each power zone 118 is
shared across two power lines 139 in a power pair 215. In the event that
a power line 139 supplying a power zone 118 becomes unavailable, such as
during a failure or maintenance, the other power line 139 in the power
pair 215 instantly compensates completely for the power loss without the
necessity of manual or automatic switching. Power pairs 215 allow power
zones 118 to have a redundant system of two power lines 139 that are
mutually exclusive because each power line 139 in each power pair 215 is
fed by a different power module 136 to avoid a single point of failure
and to add redundancy to the power system.

[0043] In one aspect, the power lines 139 in each power pair 215 have the
same power capacity, and the pairing is determined by Equation 1.
Generally, in redundant power systems, such as Tier IV power systems, one
power line 139 is referred to as a primary power line 139, whereas the
other power line 139 is referred to as a redundant power line 139.
However, although such categorical distinctions may be necessary in terms
of classifying power lines for code compliance, there is generally no
physical distinction between a primary and a redundant power line 139, as
both are identical in operation. The notion of primary and a redundant
power line 139 serves the purpose of identifying that two power lines 139
are used to enable a redundant supply to a load or a group of loads.
Thus, any power line 139 associated with any power module 136 in the
present disclosure can be considered either (or both) primary or
redundant. Additionally, the power zones 118 illustrated in FIG. 2B are
not necessarily physically separate zones 118.

[0044] FIG. 2C illustrates a breakout of the facility 200 referenced in
FIGS. 2A and 2B, but with connections shown on a power module basis as
opposed to a power zone basis. In one aspect shown in FIG. 2C, each power
module 136 supplies three different power zones 118, and the power
modules 136 and power zones 118 together comprise power groups 221. The
term primary and redundant is once more applied to describe the purpose
of utilizing two power lines 139. However, both power lines 139 are
primary and redundant simultaneously, as each power line 139 generally
supplies the same amount of power to a power zone 118 during normal
operation. In the event that a power line 139 becomes unavailable,
however, the power line 139 that remains available supplies the power of
the entire power zone 118 to compensate for the power loss caused by the
other power line 139. For example, power module A 136a supplies power to
power zone 1 118a, power zone 3 118b and power zone 5 118c, which form a
power group 221a. This power group 221a is mathematically unique because
it is formed by the possible combinations in pairing two different
independent power modules 136 with a power zone 118. In other words, each
power module 136 supplies a unique set of three power zones 118.
Therefore, in the event that a power module 136 becomes unavailable, the
other three power modules 136 would each compensate for the power loss in
each of the three power zones 118 compromised. For example, if power
module A 136a experiences a failure, power module B 136b compensates for
the power loss in power zone 1 118a, power module C 136c compensates for
the power loss in power zone 3 118c, and power module D 136b compensate
for the power loss in power zone 5 118e.

[0045] In one aspect, the concept of power groups 221 can be generalized
for any n number of power modules 136 and power lines 139 as described in
Equation 2, where the total number of power lines 139 in a facility 200
is generally the product of the number of power zones 118 and k, the
number of power lines required by each power zone 118. The number of
power groups 221 is generally equal to the number of power modules 136,
and the number of power lines 139 in a power group 221 is generally
determined by the ratio of the total number of power lines 139 in a
facility 200 to the number of power modules 136 as described by Equation
3.

[0046] As described previously, most conventional systems significantly
underuse their existing power infrastructure because power systems are
not combined in ways to make efficient use of the redundancies. In one
aspect, the target utilization rate of a system is described as
UFtarget where the target utilization rate UFtarget is
generally the maximum percentage utilized of the total capacity of the
system under any circumstance or event. Generally, the target utilization
rate UFtarget can be reached when one or more power lines 139 become
inactive, such as during maintenance or in the event of a system failure.
In another aspect, the target utilization rate UFtarget is the
maximum power a system should deliver as compared to the maximum power
the system can actually deliver. Generally, the target utilization rate
UFtarget is desirable when the safety or performance of the facility
200 are critical, and arises to ensure sufficient capacity beyond the
expected loads in the facility 200. In one aspect, the target utilization
rate UFtarget is the margin of safety of the system, where the
system is never utilized to its maximum capacity, and the maximum
utilization of the system generally satisfies the power requirements of
the facility 200.

[0047] Still referring to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, the power capacity
of a power module 136 is referred to as modulecapacity. In one
aspect, the power capacity modulecapacity is described in terms of
the maximum recommended current a power module 136 can deliver to the
power zones 118 at a specific voltage. For example, a power module 136
rated to deliver 400,000 volt-amperes (400 kVA) at 480 volts (three
phase) can deliver a current of 481.4 amperes per phase. Therefore, in
one aspect, increasing the power capacity modulecapacity increases
the current and power delivered to a power zone 118 for a constant
voltage level. In another aspect, the number of power lines 139 per power
module 136 is referred to as powerLinesnumber, where the total
number powerLinesnumber is determined by the number of power lines
139 in a power group 221, or the ratio of the total number of power lines
139 in a facility 200 to the number of power modules 136 as described by
Equation 3.

[0048] In one aspect, the target utilization rate of a specific power line
139 is referred to as UFAB, where the target utilization rate
UFAB is generally the percentage utilized of the total capacity of a
power line 139 during normal operation of a traditional critical power
system, such as a Tier IV power system. Generally, the target utilization
rate UFAB is the power that a power line should deliver as compared
to the maximum power the power line can actually deliver. In one aspect,
the target utilization rate UFAB is desirable when the safety or
performance of the facility 200 is critical, and arises to ensure
sufficient capacity beyond the expected loads in a facility. Generally, a
traditional critical power system is never utilized to its maximum
capacity, and the utilization of power lines 139 (and corresponding power
modules 136) in a traditional critical power system at the target
utilization rate UFAB generally satisfies the power requirements of
the facility.

[0049] In one aspect, the target utilization divergence rate of a power
line 139 is referred to as UFdivergenceAB. Generally, the target
utilization divergence rate UFdivergenceAB is the difference between
the percentage utilized of the total capacity of a power line 139 and the
target utilization rate UFAB of the power line during normal
operation. For example, if the target utilization rate UFAB of a
power line is 40 percent, but the power line can be utilized at 45
percent of its total capacity, the target utilization divergence rate
UFdivergenceAB is five percent.

[0050] According to certain aspects, the target utilization divergence
rate UFdivergenceAB comprises a discretionary alpha safety factor.
In this regard, this alpha safety factor can be modified depending on the
desires of a system implementer and the system requirements of a given
system. Thus, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art,
the target utilization divergence rate can be determined (or, perhaps in
some embodiments, ignored) and selected based on a variety of factors,
and the specific examples and embodiments described herein are not
intended to limit the spirit or scope of the disclosure in any way.

[0051] In one aspect, the number of concurrent failures a system may
tolerate is described as failuresnumber. Generally, the number of
concurrent failures failuresnumber is defined in terms of concurrent
power module 136 failures in the system of the present disclosure or
concurrent power module 136 failures in a traditional critical power
system. Therefore, the number of concurrent failures failuresnumber
generally refers to the number of simultaneous unavailable power modules
136 a system can tolerate before reaching the target utilization rate
UFtarget. In one aspect, as it will be appreciated and understood,
the number of concurrent failures failuresnumber is dependent on the
power delivery architecture and the number of power modules 136.
Generally, the number of concurrent failures failuresnumber is
described in the context of independent power modules 136 with mutually
exclusive components, where the power system of a facility 200 comprises
no single points of failure (e.g., any single component failure affects a
single power module 136). In another aspect, however, a power system may
comprises single points of failure (e.g., a single component failure may
affect more than one power module 136), and the number of concurrent
failures failuresnumber broadly applies to the number of concurrent
failures a system may tolerate regardless of the interdependencies of the
individual components of the power modules.

[0052] In one embodiment of the aspects presented in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and
FIG. 2C, a method to determine the physical size and capacity of the
power lines 139 is presented. In one hypothetical embodiment of the
present disclosure, a facility 200 hosts a mission critical system that
requires high power availability as described by the standards known to a
person of ordinary skill in the art. The mission critical system is
comprised of four power modules 136, and the four power modules 136 are
generally independent of one another. The equipment comprised by the
mission critical system in the facility 200 requires two mutually
exclusive power lines 139 to add redundancy to the mission critical
system. Therefore, Equation 1 is generally used to determine the total
number of power zones 118 in the facility 200, where it is determined
that six power zones 118 comprise six power pairs 215. The total number
of power lines 139 in the facility 200 is 12 as determined by Equation 2,
and powerLinesnumber or the total number of power lines 139 per
power module 136 is three, as described by Equation 3.

[0053] As described by Equation 4 (shown below), the capacity of the power
lines 139 is referred to as powerLinecapacity, where the capacity of
the power lines 139 powerLinecapacity is generally dependent on the
maximum target utilization rate UFtarget, the power capacity
modulecapacity of each power module 136, the number of power lines
per power module 136 powerLinesnumber, the target utilization rate
UFAB, the target utilization divergence rate UFdivergenceAB and
number of concurrent failures failuresnumber the system in facility
200 can tolerate. In Equation 4, the power module 136 capacity
modulecapacity is generally multiplied by the maximum target
utilization rate UFtarget to determine the power that a power module
136 should target under failure conditions or when one or more power
modules 136 become unavailable. Generally, the power that the power
module 136 should target under failure conditions or when one or more
power modules 136 become unavailable is divided by an adjusting factor,
which accounts for the target utilization rate UFAB and the target
utilization divergence rate UFdivergenceAB. The power that a power
module 136 should target under failure conditions or when one or more
power modules 136 become unavailable is also divided by the power that is
transferred from one power module 136 to the remaining power modules when
a power module becomes unavailable, such that the available power modules
operate at the maximum target utilization rate UFtarget.

[0054] Generally, Equation 4 describes that some number of failures may
occur before the system powering a facility 200 becomes utilized beyond
the target utilization rate UFtarget for a given number of power
modules 136 of a given power capacity modulecapacity. Generally, the
power modules 136 are not utilized to the target utilization rate
UFtarget, which may result in increased efficacy as compared to
traditional critical power systems, such as increased utilization of
equipment and components, and higher amount of failures tolerated for a
given power line 139 capacity powerLinecapacity. As mentioned above,
a power line generally relates to the physical interconnect for
delivering power from a power module to a given power zone. By utilizing
Equation 4 in this exemplary embodiment, the capacity of the power lines
139 powerLinecapacity is 685 kVA for a system with 0.4 target
utilization rate UFAB.

[0055] An exemplary embodiment of a system enabled by the method defined
in the present disclosure represents a higher utilization of components
as compared to traditional critical power systems. In traditional
critical power systems in a facility 127, the capacity of a power line
would be defined as the ratio of the capacity of a power module 136 to
the number of power lines per distribution branch 139. For example, in a
traditional critical power system in a facility 127 with two power
modules 136 with a capacity of 1500 kVA and two power lines, the capacity
of each power line is 1500 kVA. Therefore, if UFtarget is 0.8 and
UFdivergenceAB is 0.05, each power line and each power module 136 is
utilized at 37.65 percent of their total capacity during normal
operation. In general, because traditional critical power systems employ
no modularity and no combination of loads, each power module 136 is
generally utilized at approximately half of the product of UFtarget
and UFdivergenceAB for any number of power modules 136 and power
lines. For example, if UFtarget is 0.8 and UFdivergenceAB is
0.05, each power module is utilized at 37.65 percent of the total
capacity of each power module. In another example, if UFtarget is
0.8 and UFdivergenceAB is 0.0, each power module 136 is utilized at
40 percent of the total capacity of each power module 136.

[0056] Now consider an exemplary embodiment of a system supplying power to
a facility 200 where the power capacity modulecapacity of each of
four power modules 136 is 1500 kVA, the maximum target utilization rate
UFtarget is 0.8 (i.e., 80 percent), the target utilization
divergence rate UFdivergenceAB is 0.05 (i.e., five percent), the
target utilization rate UFAB is 0.4, the number of concurrent
failures failuresnumber is one, and each power zone 118 requires two
independent power lines 139. For such a system, the capacity of the power
lines 139 powerLinecapacity is 685.71 KVA as described by Equation
4. As described by Equation 3, for such a system in a facility 200, each
power group 221 comprises three power lines 139. In other words, for such
a system, each power module 136 supplies power to three power lines 139.
In one aspect, each power line 139 is utilized at the target utilization
rate UFAB 0.4. Therefore, each power module 136 supplies 822 kVA to
the facility 200 as described in Equation 5. An 822 kVA power supply in a
module 136 represents 54.8 percent of the 1500 kVA power capacity
modulecapacity of each module. In one aspect, as compared to a power
module 136 in a traditional critical power system in a facility 127 with
two power modules 136 of 1500 kVA modulecapacity, 0.40 target
utilization rate UFAB and 0.05 target utilization divergence rate
UFdivergenceAB, each power module is utilized at 37.65 percent of
its 1500 kVA power capacity modulecapacity. In another aspect, as
compared to a power module 136 in a traditional critical power system in
facility 127 with two power modules 136 of 1500 kVA modulecapacity,
0.40 target utilization rate UFAB and 0.0 target utilization
divergence rate UFdivergenceAB, each power module is utilized at 40
percent of the 1500 kVA power capacity modulecapacity of each
module.

utilization=powerLinesnumber(UFABpowerLinecapacity) Equation
5

[0057] In another embodiment, a system supplying power to a facility 200
is enabled by the method described in the present disclosure, where the
power capacity modulecapacity of each of eight power modules 136 is
1500 kVA, the maximum target utilization rate UFtarget is 0.8 (i.e.
80 percent), the target utilization divergence rate UFdivergenceAB
is 0.0 (i.e., zero percent), the target utilization rate UFAB is
0.4, the number of concurrent failures failuresnumber is three, and
each power zone 118 requires two independent power lines 139. For such a
system, and applying Equation 1, Equation 2 and Equation 3 the system has
28 power zones 118, 56 power lines 139, and 7 power lines 139 per power
module 136 powerLinesnumber. For such a system supplying power to a
facility 200, the capacity of the power lines 139 powerLinecapacity
is 300 kVA as described by Equation 4. If each power line 139 is utilized
at the target utilization rate UFAB 0.4, each power module 136
supplies 840 kVA to the facility 200 as described by Equation 5. An 840
kVA power supply in a power module 136 represents 56 percent of the 1500
kVA power capacity modulecapacity of each module. In one aspect, as
compared to a power module 136 in a traditional critical power system in
facility 127 with two power modules 136 of 1500 kVA modulecapacity
and 0.40 target utilization rate UFAB and target utilization
divergence rate UFdivergenceAB is 0.05, each power module 136 is
utilized at 37.65 percent of the 1500 kVA power capacity
modulecapacity of each module. In another aspect, as compared to a
power module 136 in a traditional critical power system in a facility 127
with two power modules 136 of 1500 kVA modulecapacity, 0.40 target
utilization rate UFAB and 0.0 target utilization divergence rate
UFdivergenceAB, each power module is utilized at 40 percent of the
1500 kVA power capacity modulecapacity of each module.

[0058] An exemplary embodiment of a system enabled by the method defined
in the present disclosure represents a reduction of equipment and
components as compared to traditional critical power systems. In one
embodiment, a system supplying power to a facility 200 is enabled by the
method described in the present disclosure, where the power capacity
modulecapacity of each of four power modules 136 is 1500 kVA, the
maximum target utilization rate UFtarget is 0.8 (i.e., 80 percent),
the target utilization divergence rate UFdivergenceAB is 0.05 (i.e.,
five percent), the target utilization rate UFAB is 0.4, and each
power zone 118 requires two independent power lines 139. For such a
system in a facility 200, the capacity of the power lines 139
powerLinecapacity is 685.71 KVA as described by Equation 4. As
described by Equation 3, for such a system in a facility 200, each power
group 221 comprises three power lines 139. In other words, for such a
system in facility 200, each power module 136 supplies power to three
power lines 139. If each power line 139 is utilized at the target
utilization rate UFAB 0.4, each power module 136 supplies 822 kVA to
the facility 200 as described in Equation 5. With four power modules 136
in the system in facility 200, the power served to the facility is 4500
kVA breaker power during normal operation, such as when every power
module 136 is active. For a traditional critical power system in facility
127, with two power modules 136 and a 0.40 target utilization rate
UFAB, the power module 136 capacity modulecapacity of each
module must be 3000 kVA to supply 3000 kVA to a facility during normal
operation, such as when every power module 136 is available. A 3000 kVA
served power system capacity of a traditional critical power system in
facility 127 represents a 33.5 percent difference as compared to a 4500
kVA served power system capacity in facility 200. Therefore, in one
aspect, a system enabled by the method defined in the present disclosure
and having the properties described immediately above achieves a 33.5%
reduction of equipment and components as compared to traditional critical
power systems. Further, the 33.5% reduction enables a power system to
utilize the same amount of equipment and generate a higher capacity power
system.

[0059] In another embodiment, a system supplying power to a facility 200
is enabled by the methods and apparatuses defined in the present
disclosure, where the power capacity modulecapacity of each of eight
power modules 136 is 1500 kVA, the maximum target utilization rate
UFtarget is 0.8 (i.e., 80 percent), the target utilization
divergence rate UFdivergenceAB is 0.0 (i.e., zero percent), the
target utilization rate UFAB is 0.4, the number of concurrent
failures failuresnumber is three, and each power zone 118 requires
two independent power lines 139. For such a hypothetical system in the
facility 200, and applying Equation 1, Equation 2 and Equation 3, the
system has 28 power zones 118, 56 power lines 139 and 7 power lines 139
per power module 136 powerLinesnumber. For such a system supplying
power to a facility, the capacity of the power lines 139
powerLinecapacity is 300 kVA as described by Equation 4. If each
power line 139 is utilized at the target utilization rate UFAB 0.4
and each power module 136 supplies 840 kVA to the facility 200 as
described in Equation 5, then the total capacity served by the system is
8400 kVA. For a traditional critical power system in facility 127, with
two power 6000 kVA modules 136, and with a 0.40 target utilization rate
UFAB, the system will serve 6000 kVA, which is 28.5 percent
reduction in power served utilizing the aforementioned exemplary model
with 1500 kVA power module capacity modulecapacity and 8 power
modules. Therefore, in one aspect, a system enabled by the method defined
in the present disclosure for a hypothetical power system as described
immediately above achieves a 28.5% reduction of equipment and components
as compared to traditional critical power systems 127.

[0060] As will be understood and appreciated, the hypothetical systems
described above and herein are presented for illustrative purposes only,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any
way. Additionally, the results from calculations utilized in the present
disclosure represent approximations of the actual values and therefore
may include rounding measures and/or calculation errors. These rounding
measures and/or calculation errors should not limit the spirit of the
present disclosure in any way. The equipment reductions presented in the
exemplary embodiments provide environmental gains by reducing the
footprint of power generators comprised by power systems thereby
decreasing carbon emissions and increasing the efficiency of the power
systems. Further, the method described in the present disclosure can be
generalized for any number of power modules 136, power lines 139 and
power zones 118, as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. In
some circumstances, to accomplish the above hypothetical systems in
practice, a multi-layer combinatorial power system may be implemented,
such that a second power system is layered on top of a first power
system. Such a system is akin to a "combinatorial power system in the
cloud," to borrow a term from network computing.

[0061] In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a method to deploy the
power lines 139 in a facility 200 as the power modules 136 are
implemented is illustrated. In one aspect, the power modules 136 in a
facility 200 are implemented in a sequential order and Equation 1 is used
to determine the number of power zones 118 in the facility 200, where n
is the number of power modules 136 and k is the number of independent
power lines 139 required by each power zone 118. In one aspect, when the
number of power modules 136 n is one, there is only one power zone 118a
in the facility 200 as illustrated by the first implementation stage
306a. In another aspect, when the number of power modules 136 n is two
and the number of independent power lines 139 k required by each power
zone 118 is two, there is one power zone 118a in the facility 200 as
described by Equation 1 and illustrated by the second implementation
stage 306b. In another aspect, when the number of power modules 136 n is
three and the number of independent power lines 139 k required by each
power zone 118 is two, there are three power zones 118 in the facility
200 as described by Equation 1 and illustrated by the third
implementation stage 306c. In another aspect, when the number of power
modules 136 n is four and the number of independent power lines 139 k
required by each power zone 118 is two, there are six power zones 118 in
the facility 200 as described by Equation 1 and illustrated by the fourth
implementation stage 306d.

[0062] In one aspect, the implementation stages 306 enable different
spatial configurations of power lines 139 deployed in a facility 200. The
power lines 139 can be electrically and physically separated. Physical
separation of the power lines 139 mitigates disturbances (e.g., arc
flashes) that can originally occur in a power line 139 and consequently
affect another power line 139 within a given physical separation.
Generally, a disturbance such as an arc flash on a power line 139 that
affects another power line 139 in a power pair 215 negates the benefits
of deploying two independent power lines 139 to a power zone 118.
Therefore, the power lines 139 may be deployed physically separated from
each other during the different deployment stages 306. For example, a
power line 139 can be deployed along the floor of a facility 200 while
another power line is deployed along the ceiling of a facility 200, thus
promoting physical separation between the lines.

[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a power module 136
according to the present disclosure. As described above, a given power
module generally includes all of the necessary components to deliver a
predetermined amount of power to a load or loads. As further described
above, in certain embodiments, each power module includes a utility power
feed and a backup, independent power source (e.g., a generator). In the
aspect shown in FIG. 4, each power module 136 may be comprised of at
least one or a combination various utility power lines 427, transformers
406, power generators 409, ATSs 412, power distribution components or
systems 415, PDUs 421, UPS units 418, and any other power or distribution
equipment as required by a particular power delivery architecture. In one
aspect, each power module 136 may be comprised of at least an independent
power generation system 409, at least one utility power line 427, at
least one ATS (or other type of switchgear) 412, at least one
distribution system 415, at least one PDU 421, at least one UPS unit 421,
and any other power or distribution equipment as required by a particular
power delivery architecture. In another aspect, each power module 136
comprises a utility power line 427 from mutually exclusive transformers
406 or power substations. Generally, the utility power line 427 is
delivered by the local utility company, and connects to at least one ATS
412 in a power module 136. The ATS 412 is generally fed by the utility
power line 427 and an emergency power line provided by an independent
power generator 409, such as a diesel generator. As will be understood
and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, an ATS as
described herein is generally synonymous with a breaker or other type of
switchgear as will be needed for specific power system requirements.
While the utility power line 427 is available, the ATS relays the power
to a series of distribution systems 415, such as distribution breakers
and general electric distribution components. Generally, the power
distribution system 415 comprises large breakers designed to carry large
amounts of power to the UPS units 418 and other facility infrastructure
such as lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fire life
safety systems, etc. In one aspect, if the utility power line 427 becomes
unavailable, at least one power generator 409 is activated to provide
power to the facility 200. Generally, it requires several seconds for the
power generator 409 or power generators 409 to reach a fully operational
state. Once the ATS determines that the power generator 409 has reached a
fully operational state and is able to supply power to the facility 200,
the ATS disconnects the utility power line 427 and connects the power
generator 409 to the distribution system 415.

[0064] As will be understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in
the art, a power module 136 need not include all of the elements or
components shown and described in FIG. 4. For example, a generator 409 is
not necessary for many applications in which aspects of the current
disclosure may be used. Further, an uninterrupted power supply 418 or a
power distribution unit 421 similarly may not be needed in many
applications. Additionally, in some embodiments, a separate an
independent power substation 121 (feeding a utility power line 427) is
not required for each independent power module 136. For example, a single
power substation 121 may be used to provide utility power to all or most
of the power modules used in a given facility. Certain compliance
standards (such as Tier IV certification) can still be met even if a
common substation s used to feed multiple power modules. Thus, as will be
understood and appreciated, various embodiments and variations of the
power module 136 are possible according to aspects of the present
disclosure.

[0065] In the aspect shown in FIG. 4, once the power is delivered through
the ATS 412 and the distribution system 415, the power is delivered to
the UPS unit or units 418. Generally, the UPS unit or units 418 comprise
an array of batteries designed to power the facility 200 during the time
the power generator or generators 409 require to become fully operational
after the utility power line 427 becomes unavailable. Additionally, the
UPS unit or units 418 generally possess the ability to clean the incoming
power from the utility power line 427 or a power generator 409. Voltages
on a utility power line 427 may fluctuate significantly, which is
generally detrimental to electronic equipment. Therefore, UPS unit or
units 418 generally clear the voltage fluctuations on the power supply by
converting the incoming alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC)
and then back to alternating current (AC).

[0066] In one aspect, the power is delivered from the UPS unit or units
418 to a group of PDUs 421. The voltage is generally excessively large
for most electronic equipment at this point. Therefore, the PDUs 421 or a
separate transformer convert the power supply to a lower voltage that is
usable by the electronic equipment, such as 120 VAC or 277 VAC.
Subsequently, once the voltage is converted, the power is generally
distributed to electrical outlets via power distribution gear, such as
electrical breakers. PDUs 421 may be also capable of performing electric
measurements, load balancing, alarm and fault monitoring, and automatic
switching between to two power sources during a power outage. In one
aspect, the electronic equipment in the facility 200 is connected to the
outlets powered by the PDUs 421. In data centers for example, the outlets
may comprised of several sets of power strips mounted on the server racks
to provide power to the servers. Generally, the power that reaches the
servers is clear of detrimental voltage fluctuations, and is protected by
a redundant critical power system. In one aspect, each group of PDUs 421
in a power module 136 delivers power to power zones 118 according to the
relationships described by Equations 1-5.

[0067] In one embodiment described in FIG. 5, power pairs 215 (described
previously above in connection with FIG. 2) are configured so that some
power zones 118 are fed by two independent power modules 136 and some
power zones 118 are fed by a single power module 136 in a facility 200.
In particular, some power applications require less redundancy, less
sophistication, or different power capabilities than other power zones
(loads) in a given facility. Thus, a need arises for a modular and
variable power infrastructure. For example (and as shown in FIG. 5),
power zone 2 118B, power zone 3 118C, power zone 4 118D, power zone 5
118E, and power zone 6, 118F, are fed by two independent power modules
136, while power zone 1 118A is divided into two power zones (power zone
1A 503A and power zone 1B 503B), where each power zone 503 is fed by a
single power module 136. In one aspect, the power lines that feed power
zone 1A 503A and power zone 1B 503B generally comprise power lines of
smaller capacity as compared to the power lines that feed the remaining
of the power zones 118B-118E. Preferably, the capacity of the power lines
506 that feed power zone 1A 503A and power zone 1B 503B are determined
according to the guidelines of traditional critical power systems.

[0068] For example, a power module 136 in a non-redundant traditional
critical power system (i.e., in which power zones are fed by a single
power module) with a capacity of 1500 kVA can feed three power lines,
each with a capacity of 500 kVA, where each power line is generally
utilized at 80% of the total capacity of each power line. In one
exemplary hypothetical embodiment, a blend of non-redundant and redundant
architectures may be utilized, whereby a hypothetical zone 1 (e.g., zone
212A from FIG. 2B) can be split into two non-redundant zones, as shown in
FIG. 5. In this scenario, the same power line sizing per Equation 4
(described above) is utilized for all of the existing redundantly fed
power zones, while the feed from 136A to 503A and from 136B to 503B is
simply divided by two. For example, with 4 power modules 136 at a module
capacity of 1500 each, and a 0% divergence factor, 6 power zones exist
with 3 power lines from each power module sized at 750 kVA. In this
example, one redundant power zone is now subdivided into two
non-redundant power zones 215A, and the feed sizes for both feeds are
simply cut in half, and used to 80% capacity. This means that, under a
failure condition, the loading of a power module may be
3*.4*750+.8*375=1200 kVA, which is equal to the target utilization factor
of 80% under a single failure condition.

[0069] The methods presented in this disclosure have further flexibility,
and the exemplary embodiments presented can be extended for a combination
of several non-redundant and redundant power zones 503, 118 for any
number of power modules 136 and power lines 506, 139 as described by
Equations 1-5.

[0070] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has been
presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventions to the precise
forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching.

[0071] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the
principles of the inventions and their practical application so as to
enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions and various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent
to those skilled in the art to which the present inventions pertain
without departing from their spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of
the present inventions is defined by the appended claims rather than the
foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.